The old Morton’s salt factory in Chicago was reinvigorated when the Fairgrounds opened to the public for a Fleet Foxes concert in 2022. The Salt Shed, a multi-purpose creative hub managed by 16″ on Center, opened on the premises one year later. The Postal Service, The Roots, Tove Lo, Thundercat, Death Cab for Cutie, Japanese Breakfast, and more big names have graced the Shed stage since then. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard even recorded their EP during a June 2023 performance.
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Now, The Salt Shed is making new waves with weed. The venue entered an exclusive, two-year partnership with Green Thumb Industries, owner of RISE Dispensaries and RYTHM brands.
“Salt Shed and RYTHM are the perfect match,” said Ben Kovler, Green Thumb founder, in a press release. “We are excited to bring our premier cannabis brand together with such an esteemed Chicago music venue as we look to the future of on-site experiences.”
RYTHM is responsible for the Artist Series, which combined rising music stars with a strain to match their vibe–like Green T with Tinashe. Now the brand is moving from the recording studio to the concert venue.
RISE at Salt Shed will sell exclusive merch (think hats and tees) alongside hemp-derived delta-9 products. Edibles by Incredibles, Señorita THC margaritas, and Beboe gummies are a few on deck. After grabbing some cannabis products, guests can stop throughout the venue for branded RYTHM activations and photo opportunities.
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“From music festivals to artist-curated strains and unique experiences, Green Thumb is an expert in merging cannabis, culture, and creativity to fuel unique experiences and quality products,” said Victor David Giron, Chief Financial Officer of 16” on Center, in a press release. “Our combined expertise will help us bring the Salt Shed live event experience to the next level, making this the perfect collaboration to kick off the new year.”
16” on Center is a collective of privately owned restaurants, bars, and venues. The collective provides each entity, including the Salt Shed, with services that promote growth, forming a community of individual businesses. This partnership represents one of the first to marry traditional hospitality with cannabis brands.
RYTHM is founded on the concept that cannabis and music are inextricably linked, and this partnership strengthens that bond. Buying a socially-dosed cannabis product at a concert is no longer far-fetched. It’s happening all over the U.S., and now, it is possible on the Chicago waterfront at the Shed.
